A 5-year-old boy who survived last month's church shooting in Sutherland Springs is receiving Christmas cards from strangers who want to help him celebrate the holiday while he continues his recovery in the hospital.

Ryland Ward, who was shot multiple times, is still smiling, his grandmother, Sandy Ward, told KSAT-TV. Though he will remain hospitalized through Christmas, he and his sister are enjoying receiving cards from strangers, she said.

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"You've got so many nice people that are sending the cards and a dollar to Ryland. He does really enjoy that a lot," she said.

Ryland was shot five times last month when a gunman opened fire during Sunday service at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, a quiet town about 35 miles east of San Antonio.

The shooter killed 26 people, including Ryland's two sisters and stepmother, who died shielding them from gunfire. Ryland and a third sister, Rianna, survived.

"They still haven't told him yet that his mom and sisters are dead, but I said I'm sure he's getting some kind of idea because he's 5. Everybody else has been to see him and they haven't been there," said Ward.